An electric rod heater, sometimes known as a cartridge heater, is a piece of equipment with very important applications in many different industries. It uses electricity to heat the rod, which in turn heats the material around it.
There are a few different types of rod heaters available, so here is a quick guide on how to find the best one for your business.
Determine the Right Size
Rod heaters come in many different sizes. Usually, the size is measured according to the diameter of the rod. There is also another important measurement, the Ø tolerance, or circular tolerance zone, which measures the roundness of the part. Know which measurements you need before you start looking for an electric rod heater.
Determine the Wattage
Another important factor to keep in mind when looking at rod or cartridge heaters is the wattage that you need from this part. You can determine this by finding out the temperature that materials need to be heated to and then calculating the wattage that brings the rod to that temperature. Some manufacturers even make distributed wattage heaters, which distribute electrical energy more evenly throughout the rod.
Add Any Other Performance Metrics
If you need additional specifications from your electric rod heater, a custom manufacturer will be able to add them. Possible customizations include the distributed wattage mentioned above, as well as moisture resistance, special coatings, and more. Do some research to see which specifications are recommended for your industry.